Stalk & Vine, a new bar and restaurant on downtown Wilmington’s Riverwalk, is expected to open this weekend.
 
Having worked at breweries across the country, owner Zac Brown, a brewmaster and certified cicerone (also known as a beer sommelier), said he longed to create a space that showcases his love of beer, as well as wine, cocktails and fine foods. Stalk & Vine, which has patio seating on the Riverwalk, incorporates all of that, along with elements gathered from some of Brown's favorite bars and restaurants.
 
Located at 224. S. Water St. in the former home of French cafe and wine bar Le Catalan, Stalk & Vine will carry a seasonal cross-section of craft beers, ranging from light to dark. There will be eight rotating taps, as well as cans and bottles for on or off-site consumption.
 
“We wanted to tap into a bit of the bottle shop market since we’re far enough from other downtown bottle shops,” Brown said.  
 
Along with beer, Stalk & Vine offers nearly 40 wines by the glass and bottle along with a cocktail list that’s designed to reflect the flavors of the summer season.  
 
General Manager Chelsea Edmonds, former taproom manager at New Anthem Beer Project, helped Brown select the current offerings.
 
“I really think this will be a breeding ground for beer and wine education, and I’m really happy to be a part of it,” Edmonds said. “I think we’re checking a lot of the boxes for what locals say is needed along our Riverwalk.”
 
The cafe’s motto is classy, crafty, casual, which Brown said conveys the idea that Stalk & Vine is designed to be a comfortable space for guests to try new things.
 
Brown, along with the help of consulting chef Dean Neff, has created a menu of small plates designed to complement the full spectrum of the beverage program. Guests can choose from a variety of shareable table snacks, cheese and charcuterie plates, as well as sandwiches, salads and large plates such as the Hazy Cajun Bowl with andouille sausage, shrimp, smoked crab legs, clams, potatoes and grilled bread.
 
Brown and Edmonds plan to host a variety of wine dinners and tastings featuring guest chefs, brewers, bartenders, winemakers and distributors. They also plan to begin offering brunch in the coming months.

Stalk & Vine’s first Tap Takeover event will take place Aug. 18, featuring the San Francisco-based Cellarmaker Brewing Co. 
 
Stalk & Vine will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
 
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